Chapter 13

◈ Chapter 13: First Class (3)

“What? You’re saying you can reduce the incantation activation time?”

“Is that even possible?”

“Are you kidding us?”

Unlike the first-year students who were still unfamiliar, the second-year students were skeptical of Rudger’s words.

Before teaching the basics in the first class, he claimed he would show them a way to make the activation of magic faster.

It was only natural for them to be doubtful.

The speed of magic activation has always been the top priority for wizards, something they must always strive to improve.

In battles where lives are on the line, a single second can make a huge difference.

Especially for wizards, who take time to cast spells, the sense of danger is much more acute compared to knights who move and swing their swords in real-time.

While the development of science has reduced the exposure of wizards to danger, it hasn’t eliminated it entirely.

Given that wizards must always think rationally and calmly, they are even more focused on such aspects.

In this context, what Rudger said was not just about satisfying the students’ expectations but something all wizards would eagerly wish for.

Sheryl, Flora’s best friend, asked her, “Flora, is what he said really true?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. Has there ever been a proper incantation shortening before?”

There were indeed ways to reduce the activation time of magic.

A typical example is scroll magic, where pre-stored spells are activated.

However, this method is limited to one-time use.

Once a spell is activated, the scroll loses its effect.

Alternatively, the spell [Residual Memory] can be used to pre-activate and store a spell.

In this case, continuous use is impossible, and the maximum number of stored spells is limited by the user’s proficiency.

“Without changing the fundamental structure of the incantation, it’s impossible.”

Ultimately, to reduce the time, the fundamental incantation must be improved, which is also impossible.

The commonly used spells are the most optimal methods developed over thousands of years by wizards who have left their mark in history.

What might be a mere third-tier elemental fire spell to some is a testament to the footprints of countless geniuses throughout history.

Even the so-called geniuses of modern times cannot improve existing spells.

This is because they are already so perfect that there is no room for improvement.

This conclusion was reached over a hundred years ago.

Flora Lumos also acknowledged this.

‘But if he insists on changing it, there must be a trade-off.’

If the activation speed is increased, other aspects will inevitably weaken.

The power might decrease, the range might narrow, or the accuracy might drop.

If the elements in the incantation are reduced, can it still be considered the same spell?

No.

It would become a completely different spell.

If traditionalists saw this, they would be furious.

‘If he really intends to speed up the incantation this way.’

Flora’s eyes narrowed.

‘I will be very disappointed, teacher.’

No, rather, Flora hoped Rudger would do just that.

It would make it easier for her to tear him apart.

‘Even our esteemed princess seems to feel the same way.’

The third princess, with her intricate braids and a beauty different from Flora’s, who preferred straightforward and dignified things, would also find Rudger’s statement irksome.

Her face was cold and stern, proving this.

As the atmosphere in the classroom began to shift strangely, Rudger clapped his hands to lighten the mood.

“Enough. Let’s stop the chatter.”

The students closed their mouths, but the atmosphere remained unchanged.

Rudger, aware of this, smiled and said, “You all seem curious. Fine. Before I show you, I’ll take a few questions.”

At that moment, the students immediately raised their hands.

Rudger pointed to the first student who raised their hand.

“Go ahead.”

“I’m Alex Salein from the second year. Teacher Rudger, you said you can reduce the activation time of spells. What exactly does that mean?”

“Reducing the activation time is just that. Be more specific with your questions. Next.”

“I’m Dalia from the second year. Does reducing the activation time mean you will improve the incantation?”

“No, the incantation will remain the same, but the speed will be reduced further.”

At this, murmurs spread throughout the room.

“Huh, really? You can really speed up the incantation?”

“That’s impossible. Hasn’t it been an unsolved problem that no wizard has ever managed to solve?”

It’s impossible. There’s no way such a method exists.

Flora thought the same. How could you reduce the activation time without touching or improving the incantation?

Surely, it’s not just about increasing proficiency through repeated practice, right? But the confident expression on Rudger’s face made her uneasy.

“That’s impossible.”

Flora couldn’t hold back and spoke up.

Rudger’s cold gaze pierced her, making her slightly offended by his look of “Who are you?”

“I’m Flora Lumos.”

The room buzzed with whispers at her introduction.

“It’s Flora. Flora is speaking up.”

“Haha, this teacher is done for.”

Flora’s reputation was well-known among the students, including the new first-years.

The genius of the second year, who maintained the title of genius even in this academy, was already famous among the first-years.

It was natural for all the students to focus their attention on her when she challenged Rudger’s method on the first day of class.

“I didn’t give permission to ask questions, but I’ll let it slide this time. So, what exactly do you think is impossible?”

“Obviously, reducing the incantation time. Without touching or improving the incantation, the only way to speed up the activation is through repeated practice.”

“Why do you think it’s impossible?”

“No one has ever managed to do it. Not even the geniuses in history or the high-tier Arch Mages. So, I can’t believe you can do it.”

Even now, countless wizards in the magic tower are straining their brains to explore the truth.

Yet, there are areas where no progress has been made, and incantation shortening is a prime example.

Even if Rudger is a teacher at Seorun Academy, for a new teacher to claim he can do it is not just arrogance but a blatant insult to the field of magic.

Murmurs spread among the students.

They nodded in agreement with Flora’s opinion, and no one defended or supported Rudger.

The atmosphere in the classroom gradually turned hostile towards Rudger.

But Rudger didn’t flinch.

He remained unfazed, as if no external pressure could even scratch him.

“‘No one has managed to do it.’ An interesting statement. I see it differently. I think they didn’t want to improve it.”

“Huh?”

“Magic values tradition and repetition. But this has led to stagnation. With the advancement of science, magic is being threatened.”

“…Are you saying science is superior to magic?”

“Not at all. I just think magic, like science, has room for further development. The statement ‘There is no room for improvement’ is wrong.”

“No one has ever done it before.”

“No one tried.”

“Those who tried all failed.”

“Then I’ll be the first.”

“…Are you serious?”

“I have no reason to lie to you all.”

Flora was taken aback by his brazen confidence.

Does this teacher even realize what he’s saying?

“Well, since you don’t understand, let’s proceed with the class. Flora, right? Do you know how long it takes on average to construct the incantation of [Dancing Flames] that I wrote on the magic board?”

“It depends on who is casting it. For a newly third-tier wizard, it would take 10 seconds. For a more proficient and higher-tier wizard, it would be less than 5 seconds.”

“Right. But I don’t approve of the silly method of increasing speed by raising tiers. I’m talking about a level appropriate for the students in this class.”

“So, even if you do it quickly, it would take 5 seconds.”

“Is that your time?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm, impressive confidence. Can you demonstrate it? Here on the podium.”

Flora wasn’t intimidated by the provocative statement.

“Sure.”

Flora confidently walked down from the podium and stood on the stage. She raised her personal wand and immediately cast the incantation of [Dancing Flames].

The foundation was activation. The elemental attribute was fire. She added heating, combustion, compression, expansion, diffusion, and acceleration.

A magical incantation of a burning flame shape rose in the air.

A clean and concise incantation.

The speed was like a gust of wind, and the students watching closely were amazed.

Indeed, the genius of Seorun. Indeed, the daughter of the Lumos family.

Flora looked at Rudger with a “What do you think?” expression.

Rudger checked the golden pocket watch in his hand.

“Time taken for activation: 4.78 seconds. Impressive speed for a second-year. The process was perfect.”

“It was nothing.”

“But it’s still slow.”

Flora, who was basking in her success, was met with Rudger’s cold voice.

“…What?”

“The fastest record for a third-tier wizard casting [Dancing Flames] is 4.41 seconds. No one has been faster. It’s still slow.”

“…I can get faster with practice.”

“I’m saying even 4.41 seconds is slow.”

─Are you serious?

Everyone was stunned by Rudger’s confident declaration